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Original poster

Novel as gift for someone I don't know very well

40 replies

CaliforniaDrumming · 07/06/2022 17:58

Someone I don't know very well has invited me for her birthday party. I was thinking of gifting a book. Any suggestions for a recent novel that is guaranteed to please everyone? Or a cheery book ( not self help)? She suffers from depression.

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Fitterbyfifty · 13/06/2022 20:22

Riverlee · 08/06/2022 19:59

Woman in the Photograph

This book is good, and is a fictional story covering key moments in the feminist movement in recent times. Well worth reading.

I bought this thanks to your recommendation and am really enjoying it, thanks!

DoItAfraid · 13/06/2022 19:12

I liked this

A Poem For Every Night of the Year

LeafHunter · 13/06/2022 18:19

Blueberrywitch · 13/06/2022 16:50

I have had 100% success with Educated by Tara Westover! Feminist themes and even though she battles, I found it pretty life affirming!

Yes! This is such a great book.

are you near Bath? Mr Bs book emporium are great for advice too.

PandaOrLion · 13/06/2022 18:17

Either Burial Rites by Hannah Kent or A tale of a time being by Ruth Ozeki. Both obscure enough not everyone has read them but slightly quirky and hugely feminist.

I read a lot and love people getting me books that they have enjoyed so you could try that?

knackeredmu · 13/06/2022 18:14

Buy her a book! Your choice and widen her choices or at worst one she already has abs loved

MakkaPakkas · 13/06/2022 17:24

What about The Power? That's a feminist book with a good story

5thHelena · 13/06/2022 17:20

CaliforniaDrumming · 07/06/2022 18:30

Book tokens feel a bit impersonal? She is very feminist, as am I. Are there any good feministy memoirs out ( but not academic or dull)?

I love Ishiguro but not read Klara yet!

Women Don't Owe You Pretty

Cyclingforcake · 13/06/2022 17:09

Invisible Women might be good. Or what about a best seller in the year she was born? That’s gone down well with a couple of friends.

Phalarope · 13/06/2022 17:07

I love a book token.
Or a Persephone book token to make it a bit less present-for-your-distant-niece?
Whoever recommended Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller is also a good shout if you deffo want to do a book.

Divebar2021 · 13/06/2022 16:57

Buying a book is a risk but there are book related gifts you could give. I love a tote bag and there are a few book related ones around. I saw someone with a Peter Blake limited edition for “Books are my Bag”. Penguin also do tote bags with classic covers or the famous Daunt books bag. Otherwise Etsy has a number of bookish related gift ideas and might be worth a punt

Needmorelego · 13/06/2022 16:56

I don't use hand cream and wouldn't trust a candle in my house as my daughter like to fling random stuff around.
An old favourite book is much nicer.

KylieCharlene · 13/06/2022 16:51

Definitely not a book.
How could you possibly know she doesn't already own it?
Plus I feel it's a bit invasive - buying a book you want someone to read- someone you don't personally have a close relationship with iyswim.

I'd prefer a candle or hand cream.

Blueberrywitch · 13/06/2022 16:50

I have had 100% success with Educated by Tara Westover! Feminist themes and even though she battles, I found it pretty life affirming!

MayMi · 13/06/2022 16:47

Chicken soup for the soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen - a compilation of real life stories of kindness

MistressOfWaves · 13/06/2022 16:44

I would give her a copy of your favourite book.

otherwise I tend to give people Just one damn thing after another by Jodi Taylor. Fun and lighthearted

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 13/06/2022 16:35

I would love a book token. A book chosen for me might be brilliant, or it might be something I'd never read in a million years, or something I've already read/bought. Risky choice for a present in my eyes.

I also loathe scented candles and don't use handcream. I like good chocolates, flowers, plants, wine, gin, decent beer, food of all sorts, restaurant, theatre or cinema vouchers.

If you really want to get a book, how about this one? I heard her speaking on the radio the other day. She is absolutely inspirational. Incredible woman. www.penguin.co.uk/books/313/313672/let-it-go/9780241395493.html

Needmorelego · 13/06/2022 16:22

What's your favourite book?

ChessieFL · 13/06/2022 16:20

As a booklover, I would be delighted to get a book token so I could go and choose what I wanted!

JaninaDuszejko · 08/06/2022 21:48

Riverlee · 08/06/2022 20:00

I’d prefer a book over a scented candle or hand cream any day!

Absolutely. I suppose scented candles and handcream both have the advantage that they are things you can use up and finish (except I hate candles and never use them). If you want to go down that route then food, drink or flowers are all good generic gifts. Or soap, I love a nice soap (Bronnley is fab).

Riverlee · 08/06/2022 20:00

I’d prefer a book over a scented candle or hand cream any day!

Riverlee · 08/06/2022 19:59

Woman in the Photograph

This book is good, and is a fictional story covering key moments in the feminist movement in recent times. Well worth reading.

Bigbus · 07/06/2022 20:58

I actually love to receive books. I always like to have new ideas of what to read.

doodlejump1980 · 07/06/2022 20:53

I’ve recently just finished Billy Connolly’s latest book. It was brilliant.

Fitterbyfifty · 07/06/2022 20:49

CaliforniaDrumming · 07/06/2022 18:30

Book tokens feel a bit impersonal? She is very feminist, as am I. Are there any good feministy memoirs out ( but not academic or dull)?

I love Ishiguro but not read Klara yet!

Loads of great feminist books out atm:
Julie Bindel
Louise Perry

Two books that I have given recently that were well-received and might appeal are:
Maggie Farrell - I am, I am, I am
Rayner ?? The Salt Path

Fitterbyfifty · 07/06/2022 20:45

godmum56 · 07/06/2022 18:32

Speaking as a booklover, please please do not buy a booklover, who you don't know very well, a book! If she has a local bookshop that takes tokens (not all do) then a token would be a lovely gift but otherwise I would get something else entirely.

I disagree! I love receiving books - better though if she can exchange it if needed.

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